Individual and Group Counseling

Individual Counseling

Most students receive counseling services on an individual basis. To request services,
complete a Personal Counseling Request Form electronically or complete one in the Counseling Center, located in the modular unit
behind Pacelli Hall. Once this form is completed, the student will be contacted by
the assigned counselor within three business days. Before the initial (intake) session,
the student will be sent an Initial Questionnaire to complete which asks for background information and details about the student's
request.

At the intake session, usually one hour, the student can share their thoughts and
concerns and together with the counselor set goals for treatment. The student will
be asked to complete a quick computer assessment to be used to measure improvement
or to help clarify the problem. The counselor will evaluate all of the information
and recommend the best approach or technique to address the student's issue. The rest
of the sessions are typically 45-50 minutes. While the Counseling Center uses a brief
treatment model of 10-12 sessions, the counselors are more concerned about the specific
needs of each student and will adjust the number of sessions as necessary.

If the student needs to cancel an appointment, he/she should notify the Counseling
Center or the counselor as soon as possible.

Group Counseling

Group counseling is offered on an as-needed basis and typically focuses on concerns
that are best discussed among peers. Such topics may include improving relationships
and coping with loss or grief.

Group sessions are facilitated by a licensed professional counselor and confidentiality
is stressed to all participants. It can be comforting to share similar experiences
and to have support from fellow students.

Confidentiality

Counselors maintain strict professional standards of confidentiality and privacy.
The exceptions to confidentiality are when you indicate or a counselor believes you
present an foreseeable danger to yourself or others, a child or vulnerable adult is
being subjected to abuse or neglect, or a court order requires disclosure of counseling
files. Our files are separate from your academic and health records. In order to ensure
the highest quality of care, we sometimes consult with clinical supervisors and fellow
counselors. This consultation falls within the bounds of confidentiality and all efforts
are made to ensure your privacy.

Eligibility

If the counselor determines that the psychological or medical problems that a student
is experiencing requires more intensive therapy or a specialized treatment approach
that is not available through the Counseling Center, a referral will be discussed
with the student and made to an agreed upon off-campus treatment facility. The Counseling
Center does not provide legal services such as written reports or court testimony.